Description
This workshop introduces the basic tools and methods of sandtray play therapy for both children and adults. Participants will explore various elements of the sandtray process in the context of clinical applications for treating trauma, depression, anxiety, and other issues. This training interweaves didactic discussions with hands-on exercises using miniature figurines and sandtrays. The purpose of the exercises is to demonstrate how relational play may be used as a neural exercise to address the stress that arises in the nervous system during traumatic or other problematic experiences. From these exercises, workshop participants will explore and discuss how sandtray play helps to develop flexibility in the nervous system supporting a more joyful and fulfilled life. Therapists will have opportunities to practice and refine basic skills and to ask questions in an interactive small group setting.
Educational Goals
This training will help participants to:
- Identify beginning skills for facilitating sandtray play therapy in clinical practice.
- Create a sandtray play therapy clinical space.
- Describe the importance of the nonverbal aspect of sandtray play therapy for healing trauma.
- Utilize experiential exercises to anchor the basic theoretical tenets of sandtray play therapy.
- List the three branches of the nervous system that are observable during the sandtray play therapy process.
- Describe the beginning history of sandtray play therapy with Margaret Lowenfeld and Dora Kalff.
- Explain how play activities help to develop a flexible nervous system.
- Discuss training recommendations for sandtray play therapy clinicians.
Equipment
In-person training does not have any equipment requirement. For online course equipment requirements, please refer to the linked document below:
Prerequisites
Prior knowledge or experience with the sand tray process is helpful but not necessary; graduate degree in mental health or enrolled in a graduate degree program.
Continuing Education
This course is 12 contact hours.
